The Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority Board of Commissioners elects new board Chair and Vice Chair

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority (RRHA) Board of Commissioners, has elected a new board Chair and Vice Chair.

The announcement came Friday, Oct. 17 from RRHA's Board of Commissioners, "The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) is pleased to announce the election of Eddie L. Jackson Jr. as Chair and Harold Parker as Vice Chair of its Board of Commissioners."

Eddie Jackson Jr. will serve as the board's Chair, and according to RRHA, has over 25 years of experience as a real estate agent and consultant. Jackson Jr. joined the RRHA Board of Commissioners in 2022.

"I am deeply honored to be elected Chair by my fellow commissioners," said Jackson Jr. "As someone who grew up in public housing, I know firsthand the challenges faced by many families we serve."

The election was held Wednesday, Oct. 15, during the board's annual meeting. According to the board, the elected board chair will serve a two year term and the Vice Chair will serve a one-year term leading the authority's governing body.

The former real estate agent continued to share how this opportunity is both personal and purposeful for him, and stated that he looks forward to collaborating with the board and RRHA staff.

"I look forward to working collaboratively with the entire Board, RRHA staff, and community partners to strengthen our programs, expand access to affordable housing, and promote self-sufficiency for Richmond's most vulnerable residents."

Long time Richmond resident and and now Vice Chair, Harold Parker, is a Armstrong High School graduate and former student of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Parker served on the Henrico County Economic Development Authority (EDA) for over 20 years and has also volunteered with several organizations such as, the Ronald McDonald House, Freedom House, Warner Press Venture Richmond, the Church of God Executive Board and the Richmond Minority Business Advisory Board.

"I am grateful to my colleagues for their confidence and for the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair," stated Parker.

"I look forward to working closely with Chair Jackson and all members of the board to help make RRHA the best it can be--for resident's, for our parents, for everyone who shares in our vision of creating quality affordable housing and empowering families toward f=greater self-sufficiency."

RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith stated that "RRHA is fortunate to have two accomplished leaders with such deep roots in real estate." Nesmith added that, "their leadership and vision will be instrumental as we continue advancing RRHA's mission of providing quality affordable housing and promoting equitable development across Richmond."